A PROTECTED tree has stood in the way of a nine house development in an exclusive part of Loughborough.

Charnwood Borough councillors were stumped and would not budge on proposals put forward for nine homes in The Knoll, Snell's Nook Lane.

The Horse Chestnut tree, protected by the council since 2007, would need to be cut down to provide access to the site.

If not, the Highway Authority said it would not grant planning permission.

Speaking against the plans, Coun Christine Harris, chair of the meeting, said: "This tree isn't just part of the street scene - it's collective and seen across Loughborough."

Coun Brenda Seaton added: "To knock it down would be a sin".

This is the second time a proposal for this part of land has come before the planning committee.

In November, councillors rejected five homes on the site because they felt the proposal would be detrimental to the character and appearance of the land, which borders Charnwood Forest.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Morris Fairhurst, town planner, said the applicant had taken on board all the comments raised previously by councillors and had tried to create a plan, which was suitable to its surroundings.

He said: "We don't want to damage the site. We just want to provide new houses."

The applicant even increased the number of houses to meet density issues previously raised and offered a replacement of 14 new trees - but councillors remained rooted to their final decision.

Coun Bernard Burr said: "It would set a precedent for others to take their trees down." While Coun Paul Day argued, in the future, it may have to come down anyway.

The application was refused by eight out of 10 councillors while all 10 were in favour of retaining the tree.